NLEast_Atlanta Braves

2014 Miami Gameday HQ

ATLANTA BRAVES
5-YEAR SCORECARD
2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
WINS 96 94 89 91 86
RUNS PER GAME 4.3 4.3 4.0 4.6 4.5
RUNS ALLOWED PER GAME 3.4 3.7 3.7 3.9 4.0
OPENING DAY PAYROLL 90 93 91 83 96
Craig Kimbrel
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Excellent closer and setup
men in bullpen
• Power and balance in the lineup
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Injury depleted starting rotation
• Strikeout-prone lineup
Some might attribute the Braves’ NL
East title last year more to the Nationals’
slide than anything overwhelming
Atlanta did. The Braves will contend
again this year, no matter what happens
in D.C., thanks to a deep collection
of hitters and one of the majors’
best relief staffs.
HITTING
Even though B.J. Upton and Dan Uggla
each sagged below .200 last year, and Jason
Heyward’s production dropped too, the Braves
are still in pretty good shape here. The good
news is that with a pitching staff like it has,
Atlanta doesn’t have to score six runs a game
to win. The Braves were smart to lock up first
baseman Freddie Freeman long term. He’s
already a star. Third baseman Chris Johnson
had a big 2013, and Justin Upton is a reliable
producer in the two spot. The loss of catcher
Brian McCann could hurt, unless Evan Gattis
shows he can perform for a whole season.
He was strong last year in a part-time role.
Heyward can be a dangerous force at the top
of the lineup, provided he is consistent and
healthy. Uggla is still a threat to hit the long
ball, but his batting average has dropped each
of the past three seasons.
NL EAST
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